Technical/Clinical Information
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a deadly disease from rodents. The Sin Nombre hantavirus, which can cause the disease HPS, was first recognized in 1993 and since has been identified throughout the United States. However, the description of Hantavirus disease traces back to 1951 where a hantavirus was identified as the cause for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Hantaviruses were placed into the family Bunyaviridae and divided into two groups. More technical and clinical information on General Hantaviruses and HPS are provided in the categories below.
General Hantavirus Technical/Clinical Information
The description of Hantavirus disease traces back to 1951. The virus belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and is divided into two groups of Old World and New World Hantaviruses. There are many Hantavirus strains that occur globally.
HPS Technical/Clinical Information
In May 1993, an outbreak of unexplained illness appeared in the four corners region of the Southwestern United States. A newly identified virus, Sin Nombre, was shown to be the cause of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
Get email updates
To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Viral Special Pathogens Branch
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - Hantavirus Hotline
(877) 232-3322
(404) 639-1510 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
- About VSPB (Viral Special Pathogens Branch)